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Monday, April 25, 2011

FRANKE IS TEN

This year, FRANKE celebrates its ten year anniversary. It's hard to believe that designer Kendra Francis has been creating beautiful clothing for women under this label for a decade. She celebrated this accomplishment recently with a special presentation in Toronto. When asked how she felt reaching this milestone she told Style & Culture that she is very thankful that the label is still around and that people are still interested in what she creates. She's been designing and sewing clothing since the age of 13 and is a master at understanding a woman's curves. Kendra's drive is perhaps the main reason FRANKE continues to thrive.

Being a Canadian designer presents its challenges. The market is smaller and every season we've seen designers go on hiatus or fold completely. She has proven that she has what it takes to keep ahead of the rest. This business demands a designer to be on top of creativity season after season. She credits her creative inspiration to her drive, "...what keeps me going is the constant drive to out-do myself and to always create something better and more fabulous and to really develop a collection that my clients will love and want to buy." All you have to do is peruse through her collections over the years to see her amazing sense of style and artistic talent. FRANKE dresses are sophisticated with an edge and a spark of sex appeal.
Over the years we have seen the label evolve from its initial upstart worn by those in limited fashion circles to being worn by celebrities like Director/Actor Sarah Polley and MuchMusic VJ Sarah Taylor. For the future Franke promises to focus on continued growth and progression. "The next few seasons FRANKE is growing up, maturing and becoming more refined and luxurious," Francis said, "...I want to expand the line into bags and possibly a bridal and children's collection." That would be amazing to walk down the aisle in an exclusive FRANKE original. Although she's considering the expansion options she did say that nothing is set in stone. Anything is possible.

Photo of image shot by Ivy Prosper at the I Am Franke event. One of the images auctioned for Dr.Roz's Healing Place.
Photo of Francis with her chosen models wearing FRANKE shot by Photographer Richard Dubois.
Hair: Hair2Inc., Makeup: MAC

A true philanthropist, Francis is very passionate about helping others. One particular charity that is close to her heart is Dr.Roz's Healing Place. This organization is dedicated to facilitating the healing process of women and children who have suffered the effects of violence in their lives. They offer programs and services that will aid in transition and empowerment in their lives. She wanted to make a donation in honor of Dr.Roz's Healing Place by auctioning off images that were exhibited at her ten year anniversary event. Francis hand-selected female artists she felt represented her brand and exemplified the celebration of women and empowerment. All the photographs were shot by Richard Dubois on location at Bisha Hotel Residences. Hair was done by Hair2Inc and makeup was provided by MAC cosmetics. Each photo is an iconic representation of a piece of FRANKE'S history.

Kendra Francis is a true talent and a force to be reckoned with in fashion. Having ten years behind her, she certainly has more to follow. Francis told Style & Culture, "It still feels like this is just the beginning and that I have many more years in front of me to grow, learn and master the craft of design. I am looking forward to it and the evolution that is still to come." The fashion world is looking forward to it too.

All photos exhibited at the event featuring models in Franke clothing from the last 10 years. Images were all being auctioned off to raise money in support of Dr.Roz Healing Place.
Photo: Dave Cox (davecoxpictures.com)